Section 23. It shall be a primary function of the commission to further the participation of the commonwealth as a member of the council of state governments, both regionally and nationally, to confer with officials of other states and of the federal government, to formulate proposals for co-operation between this commonwealth and other states, and with the federal government, and to organize and maintain facilities for accomplishing these purposes. The commission may delegate not more than three of its members to attend any interstate conference that may be necessary or advisable in the conduct of its negotiations. The commission shall give particular attention to the establishment of fair and reasonable standards for labor and industry, including minimum wages, maximum hours of labor, conditions of employment of minors and other conditions and standards of employment, and shall also consider such questions as taxation and crime prevention, and such other subjects as may from time to time be referred to it by the governor or the general court.